The ^oice Of Th« tQuse. 



t VERSE t 




• • t 



JEfcitb C. Miltiams, 






I 



LIBRARY Of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 
AUG 15 1904 

\ Oopyrffht Entry 

CLASS ^XXe.Ho. 

^111 
GOPYB 

flHMMW*MHM 






| 



COPYRIGHT, 19 04 
BY EDITH C. WILLIAMS. 




EDITH C. WILLIAMS. 



DEDICATED TO MY BELOVED FATHER, HOUSTON GRAY, 
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JANUARY 23, 1900. 

REST IN PEACE. 



PREFACE. 

The true index to the character and civilization 
of a race or a nation is found in its literature. A 
good book or poem is priceless in value; the writer 
never dies. Any worthy effort along this line by 
Negro writers should be encouraged by all who have 
any race pride. 

The author has earnestly striven for a number of 
years, with voice and pen, calling the attention yf 
the race to certain existing evils so prevalent among 
them. Success has attended her efforts. She now 
sends forth this little volume of poems touching 
many phases of life and its duties, with no preten- 
sions of literary merit, but with the deep yearn- 
ings of a soul full of ambition and love for the suc- 
cess of the race. This little volume is sent on its 
mission not for pecuniary gain, or cheap notoriety — 
but with the hope that some soul now groping in sup- 
erstition, despondency, grief, discouragement, aiid 
disappointment may be made to look up and know 
that God lives and rules in the affairs of men and 
shapes the destinies of nations. 

May this volume be given wings, and Hie world for 
its domain. 

Read it for profit and strength. 

Read it for love; and think. 
Read it not to criticise, 

But read, to reflect and utilize. 

H. B. PEMPERION. 
8-l-'4.-lM. 



Bishop College Print, 
Marshall, Texas. 
—1904.— 



CONTENTS. 



Edith C. Williams Frontispiece. 

Sweet Home School 6 

Sweet Home — Second Term 6 

Sorrow 7 

To Be a Teacher 7 

Sickness • 8 

Roseborough Springs 9 

Our Boy and Girl 10 

Love, a Tie * 12 

Intemperance 13 

Spring Time 1* 

The Canker Worm 15 

Ada's Heroism I 6 

The Mated Pair JP 

Justice For All Men " i9 

Tapping, Tapping at My Door 21 

Temptation 22 

Welcome Address '. 23 

Fallen Women 24 

Sick Bed Soliliquy 26 

The Psalms of David 26 

The Chirp of a Bird to an Invalid 27 

Man's Blessings 28 

The First And Only Child 29 

Mistaken Lovers 30 

Around a Country Home on a Rainy Day 31 

The Ministers* Union 32 

An Excursion Trip 33 

Bishop College ;i4 

Shreveport's Sanitarium 35 

Booker T. Washington's Life and Work 36 

Fanuie'fl First Washing 40 



SWEET HOME srHOO],. 



When I went out to Sweet Home School, 

One pleasant summer day. 
The boys and girls came crowding in, 

To learn their teacher's way. 

The way that led to my little school 

Was through a shady wood. 
When entering- on a broad old farm, 

Behold my school house stood. 

Around the school house scattered '.vide. 

The dog fennel far and near, 
Many cows and horses ce.me. 

To ease their hunger here. 

The first day ten little children came. 

And then the number swelled 
Until ten was five times ten 

And all were learning well. 

Their ways were very strange to me. 

Each one was full of fun. 
They seemed as though they did not think 

They came there to learn. 

My writing class at Sweet Home 

Was a very lively one. 
The children thought it very nice 

The way the work was done. 

The advanced class was very apt 
They learned their lessons well, 

And often showed a lively face 
When they heard the tap of bell. 

The last week's work was done with spirit 

Each one did their best, 
They wanted to stand on merit 

They knew they soon would rest. 

SWEET HOME— SECOND TERM. 

The old field at Sweet Home 

Has partly been fenced in. 
Instead cf going straight across 

You have to make a bend. 



7 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

It was a long, long- time 

Before I had a mind, 
To change my way across the field 

And another road to find. 

At last this conclusion 

I began to make, . 

Down the public road I'll go 

Across the way I'll take. 

The school house it was partly changed 

New blocks for it were cut 
The window panes were all placed in 

And strips thereon were put. 

The children they with interest grew 

To school they early came, 
And each day as they came to school 

They tried to learn the same. 

<^ 
SOB BOW. 



Sorrow is a bitter cup 

Though sweetness it may contain. 
Although we hate to drink it up 

Ere long it may remain. 

It makes the bosom of a soul 
Feel heavy, faint and sore, 

But yet it comes, it comes and goes 
We drink it o'er and o'er. 

Yet every sorrow has its balm 

That will the pain allay, 
It makes a soul feel very calm 

Renewed from day to day. 

TO BE A TEACHEB. 



Oh to be a teacher 

Is a joy on earth, 
Your heart as the children 

Enjoying all their mirth. 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

Such a pleasure in the morning 
To greet their pleasant smile, 

A greater joy at evening; 
To know we rest awhile. 

To watch each one with interest 

To love every one, 
To feel they all are yours 

Make rapture on the tongue. 

No king who rules a kingdom 

With his subjects all around. 
Can have more joy than the teacher 
Where their boys 'and girl.-, are found. 

The pupil and the teacher 
For many days and weeks. 

Are weaving ties of friendship 
That no length of time can break. 

They live to form a union 

Stronger than iron bands. 
For the cause of learning 

Throuo-hout our fatherland. 

o 

The pupil may be a teacher 

But can ne'er forget. 
The many happy hours spent beneath 

Their teacher ; s watchfulness. 

May you who are teachers 

In this useful land. 
Know your noble mission. 

Take a braver stand. 

SICKNESS. 



How many human beings 

Are there upon the earth. 
Who can regard their sickness 

As a blessing, not a curse? 

Sickness is not an enemy 

But a friend indeed, 
Sometimes it stops the physical nature 

And gives the mental nature ease. 



9 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

When we are careless in our way 

And will not stop to think. 
It places us in our cozy room 

Where we can meditate. 

-Sickness brings to mankind 
More qualities that are good. 

Than any other visitor 

That meet us on life's road. 

It brings to us patience 

Sympathy woven in a chain. 

Love bound with the strongest cord 
And meekness we attain. 

Sickness is a refiner 

It often purities the soul, 
It is one of the entrance ways 

To reach the Shepherd's fold. 

Sickness is one of the gateways 

By which we enter death. 
Death is often a gateway 

To reach eternal joy. 

Let those who have sickness 
Learn to bear it with patience 

It may be for a good cause 
Ere long it may remain. 

^> 
R USEE OR O I UiH SPRINGS. 



A glorious spot this country has 

For health and recreation, 
At Roseborough Springs, the blessed place. 

Oh, what a consolation! 

Near Marshall. Texas, is the place 
Where people crowd and gather. 

With gloomy face they search for health 
Return in joy forever. 

A level tract with beautiful groves 
With cottages so neat, 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 10 

Where the invalid in search of health 
Can rest their weary feet. 

At Roseborough, just entering the shed. 

There Hows a colored fountain. 
Where the dispeptic bows a drooping head 

With doubts as high as mountains. 

In search of health they came afar 

Not knowing success they'd find, 
A few days only glided by, 

Behold that drooping mind. 

Fur weeks and years they have s altered 

For nourishment for their body. 
J nst as all hope in life was gone 

The thought arose "Go forward*'. 

To Roseborough Spriugs they hasten on 

They reach this healing water. 
In search of health more grand than wealth 

They find they are rewarded. 

There are other fountains just as great 

Within the same enclosure, 
For other ailments of mankind. 

Oh nature's great restorer. 

The glowing breezes move with force 

Around this watering place, 
Everything for man's repose 

Is given without space. 

O 
OUR BOY AND GIRL, 



Little dark skinned, black vyvA. curly head boy 

That made our home such a joy. 
His childish prattle from morn till night 

Caused many smiles from faces bright, 
His little stoop within the chair 

Often caused mamma to say, ' Sit 14) There"'. 

He was always welcome by mamma's side 

When she worked or played or read, the while 
Eacdi book he learned to call by name. 



11 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

And from its place could bring the same. 
The Bible he did love to bring 

And sit and hear his mother sing- 
He always sat very quietly 

When sister pondered o'er her book. 
He knew when she should speak out nicely 

And seemed to watch with great concern. 
The way long hard words she learned 

And how she did recite them. 

Around mamma's neck his arms he'd throw, 

And on her lips a kiss bestow, 
"[ love my mamma" he learned to say 

Love sister, papa, grand ma, yea, 
I love to go to Sunday School 

There to learn the Sabbath Rule. 

He has a mind for all his pets 

His dogs and calves and little cats. 

The pigs he always watch them eat 
And know the horses by their feet. 

Such is our three year old boy 
Joscphus Williams he is called. 

Our little girl's name is Ida 

She is always neat and tidy, 
Though only rive she is quite busy 

In many a little household duty, 
She has learned to sweep and dust the table 

To wait on mother and watch the baby, 

Ida has grey eyes and sandy hair 
A smiling face and somewhat fair. 

Her movements are full of grace 
As she goes from place to place, 

Skipping merrily all day long- 
As she tries to sing a song. 

She can feed the calves, turn out the cows. 

And read her book without a frown. 
Can sing in a voice clear and sweet. 

Spell hard words and make a speech. 
Tell mama many a pleasant thing 

About the baby and its whims. 

The happiest thought in mother's heart 



THK Vol' K OF THE MUSE. 12 

Is that Ada may grow up and be smart, 

May be a nice girl without a spot 

May learn to shun the evil spot, 
He a woman like Solomon says 

Who brings joy and peace; upon her way. 



LOVE, A TIE. 



Love is the secret tie that binds 
The whole round world together, 

Uniting souls that's far apart 
In union, yes forever. 

Love unites races here and there 
Bound by the secret thought, 

That the same blood tills the veins of one 
That in the other's may be sought. 

Love is the tie that binds 

The nations far and near, 
That makes them for each other feel 

For each others need to care. 

The tie that binds each mother's son 

In a union great and strong, 
Oftimes causing them to refrain 

From treating each other wrong. 

The tie that binds the church on earth 

In union with its God, 
That makes a pilgrim tread the path 

In which a Saviour trod. 

<y 
TRUST IN GOD. 



The sweetest of all consolation 

Is an unshaken trust in God. 
The way may look dark and gloomy 

But There's consolation in trusting His word. 

In misfortune's darkest hour 



13 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

With cheerful heart and mind. 

Is the soul who trusts in his Maker 

And hope in his promises finds. 

To him who trusts his maker 

No impossibilities crowd the way, 

Always expecting to conquer 
Though the time be not in a day. 

Though separated from friends and relatives 
From connection to them most dear, 

Yet full of hope and true cheerfulness 
Of no evil or danger they fear. 

Like Joseph who was sold into -Egypt 

Like Daniel in the lion's den, 
They fear no apparent danger 

For in Heaven they nave a friend. 

Oh! that the whole world would trust Him, 
Would bring all their troubles to Him, 

Have the patience to wait on His coming 
We would have a true settlement them. 

<± 

INTEMPERANCE 



Decay is seen everywhere 

In a once beautiful home, 
What demon creeps within the wall 

Intemperance now has made a call. 

In every place you see the sign 

In every gate, on every vine, 
Fences rottening, yards decaying 

To destruction ail are caving. 

Horses move with weaker tread 
They grow lean and drop their head. 

They are cared for by intemperate hands 
Rushed around they cannot stand. 

The drove of cattle is orowino; less 
Intemperance will not let them rest, 

Today one leaves to buy some food 

Tomorrow one o-oes for something else. 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSK. 14 

Mortgages, leins, bills of sale 

Are" hanging over should you fail, 
Intemperance will sweep them up 

Because he will not lose the cup. 

A once proud manly face 

Grows bleared, sad, tilled with disgrace, 
Steps that used to never falter 

Are changed now they are altered. 

A wife whose face was all smiles 

That wore a look bright as a child's, 
A care worn she now presents 

Intemperance now leaves its imprint. 

The children they must leave school 

Where they might learn the Golden rule 

Some times they learn to earn their bread 
In other ways sometimes they're led. 

Poverty, shame and disgrace 

Are left along where he traces, 
These always follow in the track 

Intemperance never, never looks back. 



SPRING TIME. 



Spring time is coming 
I feel 1 he sweet breeze, 

Hear the birds a singing 
From the tops of trees. 

Bright is the day 
Bright is the night, 

Sunshine and shadows 
A dew drop so light. 

See the trees budding 
Dogwood in bloom. 

Red birds are chirping 
From daylight till noon. 

Grasses are growing 
Over the ground, 

Spreading green carpet 
All the world around. 



15 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

All things active 

On land and sea, 
Hear sound as music 

'Tis the hum of the bee. 

The brooks flow swiftly 

The rivulets and rills. 
Discharging their waters 

Received from winter's till. 

See the dark earth 

Upturned and sown 
Soon you will see signs 

Of the fast growing- corn. 

^> 

THE CANKER WORM. 



Oh how I hate the Canker worm 
A poisonous stroke he makes, 

Spreading his cankered poison 
On every leaf and steak. 

The first appearance it doth make 
Was not within the walls, 

Upon the shrubs and bushes 
It first doth make a call. 

By the absence of the primer 
The canker worm did grow, 

Its cankered poison spreading 
In every narrow hole. 

She drooped her head in sadness 
Said. Oh! I have been deceived, 

The canker worm has spreaded 
Its poisonoes fangs between. 

But God who all things knoweth 
Had watched from time to time. 

The canker worm's proceedings 
On every leaf and vine. 

For He will ever protect his own 
From every dangerous harm. 

He will be your friend 

Your captain in the storm. 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 16 

At hist a good conclusion 

The pruuer began to make, 
I will fast and pray to Jesus 

The canker worm to take. 

The canker worm began to feel 

The power of that prayer. 
Its shyness it began to show 

In silence everywhere. 

The primer did continue 

That faithful prayer to make, 
Oh! precious Saviour 

The canker worm to take. 

And, oh my precious Saviour 

Though the canker worm may stay, 
I'll fast and pray to Jesus 

Renew my prayer each day. 

The primer was wise 

For both her eyes 
Were opened on that day 

She made a vow, I will watch and pray 

ADA'S HEROISM 



A noble soul was Ada Fields, 

With disposition kind and meek. 

Whose every movement showed no ill 
Whose voice was modest clear and - 

Her aim in life was great indeed 

She wished to reach the highest mark. 

But patient in the time of need 

And much encouragement did imparl 

When brighest sun shone o'er her path 
Hope seemed fresh as blossoms rare. 

A sudden cloud gathered on high 
Told of a day without a sky. 

Without a sad thought or a blot 
Bv accident she wis shot. 



17 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

No mother near to bathe her wound 
No friend was near not very soon. 

The children ran from place to plaee 
Informing friends of her fate, 

Left alone with none but God 

We find her trusting in his word. 

The blood it liowed with rapid sway 
As though it would ebe her life away, 

No earthly help to cease its speed 
We find her falling on her knees. 

We find her leaning by the gate 

She asked her God to seal her fute, 

To stop the bloods unceasing flow 
From the depth of her inmost soul. 

Ada said when she rose from her knees 
The blood ceased its rapid speed, 

Within her mind the thought appeared 
The great physician now is near. 

The earthly doctor filled his plaee 

Prepared his work to do, 
She was stretched upon his couch 

'Twas sad this sight to view. 

The right hand almost severed 

So willingly is extended, 
The large tears in her eyes 

Her soul in God is blended. 

See her breathe a prayer unto her God 
And smiled as she looked up, 

But did not say as Jesus did 
Remove this bitter cup. 

Ada said, "Doctor I know I must bear 

I am trusting in my God", 
She knew that He would make it well 

The road that she must trod. 

So fast asleep from chloroform 
The doctor began his work, 

Of breaking joints and cutting flesh 
With a sympathetic touch, 



THE VOICE OF THE Ml 18 

When the work was done and all was o'er 
The doctor aroused her from slumber, 

Told her to awake, look al her hand 
See her fingers what they number. 

They number two, the third and last, 

And that lonely thumb, 
Which went to make the future band 

For thus the work' was done. 

She looked at it and praised the job 

"So much nicer than I thought*'. 
JNo such courage was e'er attained 

Only by faith in our God. 

She says, -Where is mother; has .she seen? 1 ' 

The mother's nerves had faltered, 
She looked upon her mother's face 

Said. ''Mother. God will heal your daughter". 

To see the faith that was displayed 

Within the bosom of that soul, 
Would make a christian think of Him 

Who bore our mighty load. 

THE MATED PAW. 

The mated pair that loved so well 

Together they for years did dwell. 
In happiness, peace and love 

The emblem of two turtle doves. 

But bye and bye the scale did turn 

Confusion on the altar burned. 
Peace took wings, flew out of sight 

Hatred crushed love with all. 

Oh! misery for the mated pair 

Hope seemed suspend in the air. 
One bosom heaved and sighed and groaned 

Made by the other mate to mourn. 

One whose whole object of her life 

To bring disunion, to bring strife. 
Struck the fatal blow between the pair 

and laughed to think it was there, 



V 



19 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

But God to whom vengance belongs 

Which He declares is His, 
Will give thai soul to justice's hands 

When mercy no longer for her stands. 

Oh wasted saddened, sorrowful mate 
Don't grieve so much at your state, 

Be like Job, turn your eyes above 
To God, who gives us all we love. 

Our God is able to remove your grief 
To till your life with love and peace, 

Your wasted flesh to place two-fold 

Your saddened heart to make it whole. 

Be like David, for your enemies plead 
Ask your God to give you heed, 

Trust, however deep the waters be 
However far he seems from thee. 

When God your faith sufficient tries 
He will turn to thee, be on your side, 

Your enemies while tliev think they stand 
Will fall by God's all powerful hand. 

JUSTICE FOB ALL MEN. 



Oh! Great United States hail the day 
When the true criminal finds the way, 

Be tried for crimes he is guilty of 
And not what some one suspects him of. 

When crimes are done that are not clear 
You p-ather men from far and near, 

And upon suspicion, right or wrong 
Destroy that life amid a throng. 

Amid rejoicing, amid loud cheers 

Some soul is hastened, cut short of years, 

Wafted away to worlds unknown 

An innocent, suspected soul is burned. 

A few days only hastens by 

What do we hear, what is the cry? 

The wrong man was condemned and hung 
Ts borne by many a human tongue. 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 20 

Go search the fields, the wocds and towns 

Search every neighborhood the country around, 

We've executed the wrong man, we'll try it o'er 
If we must take one from every door. 

The papers herald forth the news, 

Let every officer keep full view. 
Of any bearing description as that 

Dark complexion, wearing a slouch white hat. 

Another suspected criminal is hung, 

The news upon the wires are sung. 
When lo! one with better resemblance is found 

But innocent blood has stained the ground. 

(rod looked upon Cain with many a frown 

When innocent blood had stained the ground. 

Ascended to heaven to make amends 
Atonement for that awful sin. 

Our God for justice remains the same 
As He did when Abel was slain by Cain. 

A patient Saviour pleads our cause 
But we must give an acccunt for all. 

If all the blood of innocent men 

Went up to heaven to make amends. 

To God, for the injustice done 

To innocent men beneath the sun. 

It would move the heaven and the earth 

And bring on men a dreadful curse, 
Many a wandering restless soul 

Would be banished from the fold. 

Oh! God in mercy hear the cries 

Of innocent men beneath the skie<. 
Cause the southland to stop and think 

That each man's crime is black as ink. 

That each must at the bar appear 

For every crime transacted here. 
All men's sins with Thee are great 

Though he is white as snow or black as jet. 

All men on earth thy image bear 

All receive thy protecting care. 
Each may on earth a crime commit 

So whv the courts of law are fixed. 



21 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

TAPPING. TAPPING AT MY DO Oh. 

This midnight tapping worries me 

It divides my dreams. 
It arouses me from my napping 

Amid the purest scenes, 
But still it will not stop. 

For years and years continueing 

These midnight hours to fill, 
Not less thau three nights in a week 

That rapid step upon the floor. 
That tap, that tapping at my door. 

Advice does not interfere 

Counsel does no good, 
Reason will not put forth her voice 

Brave manhood is withstood. 
And yet it still goes on. 

Though snow may cover over the ground 

Jack Frost may spread himself. 
The heavy clouds hang threatening low 

The rain may patter down, 
That tapping still goes on. 

Qh! weary wayward tapper 

Through many years to come, 
Will you disturb these hours of sleep 

And break my sweet repose. 
By your continual tapping. 

Your health at risk 

Your constitution at stake 
You rob yourself of sleep 

Youth is banishing before the time, 
To give old age a place. 

When I must sleep to wake no more 

This tapping no more to hear, 
Will reason present herself 

Will she tap at your door? 
And will you let her in? 

True reason has a winsom way 
Her voice is always kind, 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 22 

Wake up and seek her counsel now 

Lend her an attentive mind. 
She may be lapping at your door. 

If reason's tap is left unheard 

The day is nearly spent, 
Reason will turn her back on you 

She will leave you to your own accord, 
Some other soul she will seek. 

Why don't you rise, reach forth your hand 

Say reason please come in, 
1 stand a waiting thankful one 

That you have patient been. 
She will come in. 

If reason's tap is left unheard 

And you look back o'er life. 
To view the road over which you came 

It will All you with surprise. 
To think reason yet remains. 

Cy 
TEMPTATION. 



Temptation, oh thy powerful arm 
Too strong for human hand. 

If God his subjects do not guide 
Temptation they can't stand. 

When you are asleep she visits you 
Invites you through your dreams 

And when you wake she welcomes you 
Makes things not what thev seem. 



Temptation docs not relax her hold 

As quick as moments fly, 
If she fails in one attempt 

Another she will try. 

Temptation tells us to be brave 

Tis cowardly to shrink. 
Unless you watch as well as pray 
He will lead you to the brink. 

No wonder Christ did watch and pray 



23 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE, 

Those forty days and nights, 

To make the tempter give away 

Beneath his shameful sight. 

If we in life should ere avoid 

So many sad mistakes, 
We must not heed temptation's voice 

Nor ere our God forsake. 

Oh! God, I pray, remember all 

Whom the cord of Temptation binds. 

May thy watchword still finds its way 
Oh Satan get behind. 

WELCOME ADDRESS. 



In a voice strong and clear 

And in a winsome way, 
I say to friends from far and near 

Tonight enjoy your stay. 

Take every exercises in at will, 
A welcome chance is yours, 

While you enjoy these pleasant scenes 
With ease and sweet repose. 

It is one night and not one year 

These welcome tones you will hear, 

So Ave will say without delay 
You're welcome while you're here. 

Take in the breeze that is passing by 
In it there's welcome sound, 

Our water to your thirst apply 
Of which this place abounds, 

We welcome you to look upon 
The faces of boys and girls. 

Who in the future tills a place 
In the great business world. 

In the school room is the place 

Where we prepare for life, 
That as we go out in the world 

We meet both toil and strife^ 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 24 



I say to you both boys and girls 
A welcome chance is yours, 

Pur in your time and do not miss 
Ere this fleeting chance may close. 

The golden moments passing by 

Oh do not let them slip. 
This is the time, prepare yourself 

That you may never miss. 

<^ 
FALLEN WOMEN. 



Oh! wretched fallen women 
Has thou considered thy way? 

Thou art weaving destruction 
Each and every day. 

When virtue is lost, the only gem 
Which crowns true womanhood. 

Has thou considered what is left 
On earth, to make thee good? 

Thou has departed from the way 
Which gives thee peace on earth. 

The only way which tills the soul 
With comfort, joy and mirth. 

Each day some heart is made to bleed 

By thy unregarded ways. 
Perhaps a mother's tender heart 

For thee has watched and prayed. 

As you hasten on the tide of life 
Each step you make is downward. 

Oh! fallen women, the shining way o£*life 
Points upward, onward, yonder. 

The holy scripture has declared 

The sons of men are ruined, 
Who are beguiled by thy charms 

By thy bewitching tongue. 

To be an object which GrOd has said 

The sons of men must snun, 
Should arouse the sympathy of 



25 THE VOICE OF THE MUb'JE. 

Every woman beneath the sun. 

We should unite both heart and hand 

Persuade the fallen ones, 
Win them back to the true way of life 

Pointing upward to the sun. 

A faint appeal from woman's lips 
From woman's feeble tongue, 

Return, oh! fallen ones return, 
Pointing upward to the sun. 

If thy steps have downward been 

You have nothing now to do, 
Turn thy back on the downward way 

The upward way persue. 

Just as you wreck some happy home 
[n youth's bright shining hour, 

Some other careless, w r reckless one 
Will use the same vain power. 

Too many happy lives are exposed 

By thy degrading course, 
Whose future might be filled with good 

But for an evil source. 

Sometimes strong men are made to grasp 

Intemperance's evil hand, 
Just beeause, oh fallen ones, 

You broke the golden strand. 

Sometimes in prison's sickening walls 

Some one is bound for life, 
All because, oh fallen ones, 

Of thy continual strife. 

Sometimes a sTml is hurried hence . 

To till an early grave, 
Simply because, oh fallen ones, 

You don't regard your ways. 

Wisdom calls in solemn tones 
She says, oh wanderer return, 

Seek to make a better home 
That evil way to shun. 

Return! Return! at once return 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 26 

Make up your mind that way to shun. 
Awake within a promise make 
At once the evil way forsake. 

If you will not return from thence 

The day will come, you can't repent. 
Your course must end in ruin and shame 

For thus ends sin's most wicked reigu. 

SICK BED SOLILOQUY. 

Have you lain upon your bed 

Your body feeble from foot to head. 
Saw the people come and go 

Heard them say you will rise no more? 

A tierce disease that body seize 

They will never know no ease, 
No cure on earth for them is found 

No physic can make that body sound. 

They are sending up their cries 

They may, at least, before they die, 
Let some one prepare a place 

To nurse this feeble sickly face. 

That face that lcoks so pale and thin 

Will soon pass out to make amends, 
Others whose interest in other confines 

Go around and say they are doing tine. 

Now if these sayings you have borne 
You have worn some things that are worn. 

You have wished the wish that the world might wail 
Until ynu quit this mortal state. 

THE PSALMS OF DAVID 



Oh the Psalms of David, written years ago, 
Food for weary travelers on this earthly road. 

Have you walked with burdens hard within to bear 
Just read of David and his noble prayer. 



/ 



27 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

If ever yon get discouraged on this earthly road. 
Read the Psalms of Df.vid they will relief afford. 

How when he was weary, turned his eyes above. 
Sought his only helper, who was the God of love. 

When his wicked enemies tried to do him harm. 
How lie sought his master leaned upon his arm. 

Though it seemed he waited, David never feared, 
He still trusted in Him, though delayed for years. 

Day by day at morning, and at noon and night. 
Sent his praises upward, to God far out of sight. 

Through the Psalms he tells us. we must never fear, 
Though our friends forsake us, God is ever near. 

Though we ask for blessings and our God delays. 
Never cease to trust Him. ask Him day by day. 

Enemies may crowd upon us. seem they will cause 
our fall, 
Do not feel uneasy, he is the God of all. 

They may be spreading nets for our feet, 

God will surely hear us, our sorest needs will meet. 

Oh! saddened travelers in this world below, 

Read the Psalms of David, read them o'er and o'er. 

Read how he suffered, how he groaned and cried, 
Read how he implored his God to be on his side. 

Weary, worn and saddened, stooped beneath his load, 
Yet in God still trusted and relief afford. 

By and by says David, when had grown old. 

His head had got hoary beneath the load he bore. 

When God, in his mercy, heard his fervent cry. 
Lifted him from sorrow sent his praise on high. 

God is just the same today as he was when David 
prayed, 
The Bible says he knows no change, he is the 
same though long he reigns. 

<^ 
THE CHIRP OF A BIRD TO AN INVALID. 

That little bird when I was sad 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE 28 

Which came and sat so near inc. 
Its cheering notes unto my soul 
Was sweet, they were consoling. 

In my sorrow and my grief 

I had been reading for relief, 
Whils the October breezes blew so calm 

That bird it seemed to hail me. 

Its seat it moved farther off 

Yet that warbling song kept singing. 
Each note aroused in me some thought 

That it sweet news was bringing. 

Oh! that I were as the bird, 

Could perch around and be heard. 
And sing a song Avith word so free, 

How happy, happy, I would be. 

Not as a bird perched on a tree. 

Out in the open fields I'd be. 
Rhyming words to suit my case, 
Singing tunes with ease and grace. 

News of peace, of hope and love. 

Of happiness that is from above, 
To those who need inspiring words 

That birds sweet song was gladly heard, 



MAN'S BLESSINGS, 



Why is it that man can't enumerate 
The blessings God has given. 

Until they all have tied and gone 
And man to want is driven. 

Let us enumerate them one by one 

Beginning with the voice 
That gives tone to our speech 
Which we can change at choice, 

Robbed of voice man drolls out words 
Or hisses sounds that are not heard 

Sinks in despair in his mind 
Said Oh that my voice might find. 



29 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

The vocal music that fills the soul 

Of man oftimes as he stroles, 
Alone on earth from place to place 

Deprived of voice he meets a fate. 

The eyes by which man can behold 
The beauties of God that can't be told, 

When robbed of these man must see 
These glorious sights what ere they be. 

The hands that are so dear to man 
Without man a dependent stands 

Can't help himself in many ways, 
Upon this stream forever plays. 

The feet by which man moves about 
Upon which he feels strong and stout. 

Without man must forever sit 
Or hop about on rubber or stick, 

The ears by which man can hear 
If lost how strange man appears, 

He is always making signs about 
Which others can not well make out. 

THE FIRST AND ONLY CHILD. 



Their first and only child was dead 

And they stood by the grave. 
While a wan, sad and haggered look 

Shone o'er their weary face. 

The father stood near the grave 

His hand upon the tomb, 
Thought of his dear father who years before 

Had gone where there was room. 

No doubt his thoughts were wandering o'er 

Many bright and happy hours, 
Its presence made within their homes 

Removed by God's own power. 

With a scout and steady gaze 

His head he never raised up. 
It made one think that did look on 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 30 

He drank from a bitter cup. 

The mother's frail and fragile form 

Did shake with inward grief, 
While many tears stole down her cheek 

Showed there was no relief. 

No such grief she ever felt 

A mother's own darling babe, 
Wrapped all in shrouding clothes 

Prepared to till its grave. 

While they were sad the earth was glad 

Today she claimed her own, 
While the heavenly kingdom did rejoice 

And praise surround the throne. 

The babe no longer wears a hood 

Woven and made by man, 
A glittering crown adorns its head 

Not made by human hands. 

If you would see your little one 

Forget that little grave. 
Turn your eyes up towards the sun 

Trust Christ your soul to save. 

So one day united you will stand 

Before the throne of grace, 
When you have done God's holy will 

Have run your mortal race. 

MISTAKEN LOVERS. 



A lover lying in his grave 

Who died not knowing the love he gave. 
Was ever returned in the heart 

Of her with whom he wished a part. 

He died the death of a broken heart 
A wandering mind that from the start. 

Was caused by her whom he would win 
For his true wife who should have been. 

For her heart beat with a love as true 
As ever man or woman knew. 



/ 



31 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

But voung and careless of her way 

Never confessed to him the love she gave. 

He married for the sake of having a wife, 
Out of that marriage there came strife, 
From discontent he roved from town to town, 
Never ao-arn was he settled down. 

Until a raving maniac he did rave, 

From that he filled an earthly grave, 
No more to grieve over unrequited love, 

Perhaps his soul was called above. 

Years and years have passed away 

That heart still yearns day by day, 
For that dead lover who never knew. 

A heart for him was fresh as dew. 

A deep sad and solemn thought 

That careless ways had solely bought, 

That lover covered with mother earth, 

Never knew her heart with grief did burst. 

Alas! for the lovers and their sad fate, 
Each bore their part in life's true state. 

The saddest thoughts with them are these, 
Mistaken lovers are never at ease„ 

ABOUND A COUNTRY HOME ON A RAINY DAY 



All nature seems full of life 

Upon this rainy day, 
The heavy foliage on the trees, 

With water droop and sway. 

The world, except where there's upturned earth 

Looks a solid beautiful green, 
The sky all hidden from the earth 

With" heavy clouds between. 

It is the day of the seven 

When people rest and visit, 
But tney are hindered from all this, 

Bv heavv rain and drizzle. 



the voir;-: of the .muse. 32 

The howling dogs ;ind bleating- calves 

Show their discontentment ever, 
At the constant droping of the rain. 

That seems it will stop no never. 

Now and then some one is seen 

Crossing the mnddy waters, 
Returning home from a Sunday trip, 

Their clothes all damp and altered. 

To see what God grants to man 

For his earthly pleasure. 
Shows that man should worship him. 

Unceasing and without measure. 

While writing thus the scene has changed 

The droping rain cease falling, 
The clouds disband and fly in flocks 

Over streams of muddy water. 

They leave the sky to gaze upon, 

The earth all drenched with water. 
While they, like flying birds at night. 

Appear to seek a shelter. 



THE MINISTER'S UNI OS. 



The Minister's Union, a very small band, 

That should be formed in every land. 
For the strength of the ministers the gospel spread. 

In all ages the blind must be led. 

Would that the union would grow and grow 

Until ministers were united from shore to shore, 

Forming one great army to light against sin 

United thus the world for Christ they must win. 

Be strong ye ministers of the Lord. 

Unite ag'ainsl sin in one accord, 
Forget to let denominational lines interfere 

VVith the work of the Master given here. 

May the ministers tirst unite. 

Then let the ehurches oease their strife. 
Let Christ as our captain, we as a race, 

Serve God and work for the highest place. 



33 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

Don't let Satan buffet nor his elects plan 
Weaken you, but take a braver stand, 

By living right your strength will increase 
Your lives will end in joy and peace. 

Shrink not from preaching doctrine strong 
The Lord will insure susternance along, 

Though men appear more wicked than used to be, 
The true word of God they surely will see. 

AN EXCURSION TRIP. 



An excursion trip to the free home dinner in Luth- 
er, Oklahoma Territory, June 19, 1900, from Okla- 
homa City. 

On the morning of June the nineteenth 

To Luther we are bound, 
Over many happy faces 

Joyous smiles are found. 

From Oklohoma City 

These happy excursionists went, 
To the free home dinner in Luthur, 

Where on a pleasure trip they are bent. 

The rattling of the car wheels 

Fills one with perfect joy, 
While the great whistle noted, 

Luthur was not far off. 

As we passed the little station 

Much cheering we could hear, 
But we never thought a moment 

With our pleasure to interfere. 

Prof. Page and Emmett Stewart, 

Lawyer Scott, the orators of the day. 
While Mrs. Williams, a traveling one. 

Had words also to say. 

• 
Some for dancing halls were making. 

While the base ball carried a crowd 
Others to the picnicing grounds were making. 

Where speeches made were loud. 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. o4 

At the close of the trip 

To the train we did depart, 
While the band it did follow. 

And such music did impart. 

We reached Ok 1 oho ma City, 

Each one with busy tread, 
To their homes each departed 

To tell what they had heard and said. 

^> 
BISHOP COLLEGE. 

Bishop College, a great school indeed. 

Planted in the south for the Negroes' need, 

A small beginning she had at the start. 
As a mustard seed she spreads afar. 

Bishop's branches are spreading afar 

And the colored youth as the stars 
Are dotting each and every bower, 

Seeking for knowledge the lever of power. 

From President Culver down to Chaffee, 
The wheel of time o'er Bishop has rattled. 

Pushing along with steady turn 

That the student m.ire wisdom might learn. 

With a few frame buildings the start was made, 
Until time after time by the use of the spade, 

The foundation was laid for several buildings, 
Where you will certainly receive culture if willing. 

Bishop not only a shelter for the colored youth 
Will dispel darkness, teach the way of truth. 

Yet professions and trades the role combine 
Helping each true usefnllness to hud. 

Her influence in Texas and other states 
Is covering the masses with much weight. 

In home and school and our church rule. 
By the way Bishop her students enthuse. 

Bishop situated on a commanding sight 

Is the emblem of a great light, 
A source of great intelligence 

To raise the Neoro to eminence. 



35 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

Oh give thanks to the mission hand 
That fosters this school in our land T 

And for every avenue which opens up 
To brace old Bishop in future work, 

^> 
SHREVEPORT sanitarium: 



Shreveport sanitarium long may it stand 

In our fair southern land, 
With such a great man, with such skill 

To operate and manage with good will. 

The fame of Schumpter has spread far and near 
And many a sad face gathers without fear, 

All races and colors like Jesus he cures, 

Yet true te his profession, no life he insures. 

See them crowding through the entrance way 

The maimed and blind, the halt and the lame- 
Each seeking relief from some of their ills, 
They reach the sanitarium their wants are lilled. 

Well supplied with good specialists and nurses 
These afflictions they bring that prove such curses. 

Are soon subdued, brought under command. 
I repeat the hope may the sanitarium stand. 

Though the name of Shreveport has rung for years. 

Of this sanitarium thousands never hear 
But may the wonderful news continue to spread. 

That through the sufferers may be led. 

Though the institution doesn't bear a religious im- 
print, 

We know this great good from God was sent, 
May all employed with those burdens take part 

Have the holy spirit planted in the heart. 



God's grace alone can make our lives complete fur 
the cares 

That fall to our lot in this world to share, 
Our hearts as Jesus filled from above, 

For every human being we have a love. 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 36 

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON'S LIFE AND WOBK. 

Booker was born in a large old log cabin, 

The floor was that of mother earth, 
While his bed was not a stead but a pallet, 

His covering mostly of rags. 

See a little urchin clad in one garment. 

Clinched by the strong chains of slavery, 
Standing by his dear loving mother. 

While she for deliverance is praying. 

Winning the favor of his old master 

Extra privilege is granted to him, 
That of peeping into the big house 

Which was a source of pleasure indeed. 

On witnessing the tortures of slavery. 

As his own beloved is whipped at the stake, 
His little manly heart was stirred 

With the sad thought of the Negro's fate. 

Listening to his very first lecture 

The emancipation of the slaves. 
Yet child-like his interest seemed unnoticed 

But its memory will last to the grave. 

One of his first desires was for knowledge 

As he watched others read the news, 
His resolves were strong and unchangable, 

The stairway of knowledge to view. 

Hooker is &een as a little boy miner 
Decending the depth below the earth, 

Hut by the light of his mining lamp 
For knowledge he continues to search, 

Hired out to a strict New England woman 

Booker thought life hard indeed, 
Hut the training he received from her 

Made him in time succeed. 

Behold! the boy with a slouch hat. 

A little bundle tied to a staff, 
Ploding along with bare feet 

To a place lie knew not where 



37 THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

Making his way to Hampton Institute 

For a place as a student he applies, 
After careful thought and deliberation 

The coveted place is not denied. 
« 
Not a school on our modern style 

But one of a humbler mode, 
Yet he was certainly sure 

That a course of learning was the code. 

After pursuing the studies in course 

Building the powers of brain. 
Collecting too-ether such views 

That in the future would establish his fame. 

Now comes the da}' of all days 

When Booker a graduate stands, 
Making his first speech before an audience, 

A place for life to command. 

Enthused with a conquering joy 

The sadest event of his whole life, 
The loss of a mother so dear, 

She ended a life of toil and strife. 

Education never changed his idea 

To toil willingly with his hands, 
See him as a waiter at Saratoga Springs, 

But one day as a guest he stands. 

Let us follow him to the school room 

With his ninety pupils or more, 
Kindly and willingly training them 

That knowledge has an open door. 

Then arises the flame of ambition still burning 
When West Virginia he must stump, 

In the contest for removing the capitol, 

The place gained for Charleston in three month; 

Going back to Hampton again 

Not a weary moniless boy, 
A position now as teacher he fills. 

Yes we know it filled him with joy. 

From thence the call was now made. 

By the citizens of Tuskegee's present site, 



THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 39 

A place designed by the Ahvise 

Where Booker must raise for his race a light. 

o 

Here began the great Tuskegee 

With only an appropriation from the sta.e. 
Booker must begiu the foundation to lay 

And begin the struggle with fate. 

So eager he was to improve the mind 

Of a race whose chances were slim. 
That he began in a building so old. 

That oftimes his umbrella sheltered him. 

Interesting thoughts puzzled his mind, 

That to master more in life 
More of the student's time he must have, 

To drill them in the rules of right. 

The hand of death now plays a part 
And takes from him his youthful wife, 

Leaves him alone the struggle to bear. 
Another sad page in his life. 

From '84 to '94 Tuskegee shows steady growth 

In possessions and students too, 
Industrial work begins to grow 

Different trades the students now pursue. 

Another matrimonial step he makes 
Miss Olivia Davidson's hand he takes. 

A friend indeed she was to this school, 
Pushing every interest, each golden rule. 

In 1889 Mr. Washington's sun refuse to shine, 
Mrs. Olivia Washington's frame doth undermine 

With sorrowing tears Tuskegee grieves 
Of one so true she is sadly bereaved. 

Three loving children two unions leave, 
For them their father great interest feels, 

Portio, the girl; Baker and Davidson the boys. 
For an upward life may they always toil. 

His oratory two continents shake. 
At his sound the nations quake, 
At Tuskegee he would no longer stand 



39 ~ THE VOICE OF THE MUSE. 

If he would go at each command. 

See him opening up avenues for his race 

By his manly views in many a place. 
Yet not forgetting from whence he came 

To elevate the negro is his aim, 

He a turning sentiment doth make 

Between a white and colored race, 
Styled as a foremost Negro on American sod, 

When he was once a barefoot boy. 

His hopes in Tuskegee now realized, 

All nations for her now sympathize. 
Equipments worth 300,000 or a greater sum 

Quite different to when she first begun. 

A little more rest he now can nave, 

An endowment fund has been prepared, 

Tuskegee's progress is now assured, 

By great effort means has been procured, 

Would that we had great numbers in each state, 
To work with such energy the Negro to elevate, 

Our progress as a race the world would tell, 
That the Negro race is advancing well. 

May he live long to fill his place, 

Until men and women all over the race 

Lift high the banner he has unfurled 
And the Negro race is the pride of the world. 

May Mrs. Washington stand by his side 

While being tossed by the waves of life's tide, 

May her health with her interest grow strong 
May the bark in which she floats glide smoothly on. 

May the influence of her mother's meeting spread 
Until mothers to these organizations be led, 

Until the mothers in every state 
Will unite their efforts ere too late, 

May all young men whose chances are slim 

Take example of Mr. Washington, imitate his vim, 

Let no discouragements hinder their progress 
But step by step mount the ladder of success. 



THE VOICJS W THE MUSE. 40 

FANNIE' S FIRST WASHING. 

Fannie, a little tot five years old, 

Bending over a tub washing clothes, 
See her with hand rub the spot most soiled 

Then back to the wash board faithfully toil. 

When bending her little form is double, 
She rubs dub. dub, without any trouble, 

She raises her little head her cheeks are red, 
Her full large bright eyes in her head. 

Water is scarce, her little arms pain 

As she brings the little bucket from the spring, 
But patiently she works at her task 

Baby must some clean clothes have at last- 
Though she wrings them with a backward twist, 

It seems she would wrench her wrist, 
Still at another piece she begins to rub 

Wash, wash, bending: over the tub. 

o 

With energy scarcely seen in one so small 

One so young and not very tall, 
Happy indeed to wash baby's clothes, 

Very great interest for a little one to show, 

Sarnie he thought it very right 

For him to help so he waged a fight, 
Captured the bucket then away to the spring. 

With bucket in hand some water to bring. 



FINIS 



AUG 15 1904 



